Das Wanda

A design smoothie wrapped in vineyards and mountain eye candy, this villa-hotel masters the polarity of heritage with its sedated tones of taupe framing dramatic vistas of vert. 

Modernity, fresh elegance and a natural hand are cornerstones within the restored traditional walls of Das Wanda; a modern, designer, natural retreat with a strong South Tyrolean heart. The interiors quietly mimic a wonderful small boutique hotel of understated design, with the warm intimacy of a local bed and breakfast founded on sleek style. Quietly nestled amongst the snow-capped Dolomites, sunlit palms, ferns and breath-taking olive groves, Das Wanda is perfectly located for an Italian break of pure, natural escapism. 

As for the name, it harks from a childhood experience shared by the Huf family. Sun-bleached memories of the island of Elba form the background to their upbringing where their grandfather had a dreamy guesthouse called Villa Wanda. Bringing that carefree feeling to Caldaro, Wanda lives on.

A romantic nature-wrapped retreat just for the grown-ups - this is the ideal spot for some serious 'me + you' time. Milky wet-clay toned walls keep an earthy design narrative throughout, inviting stripped oak to cast its tawny subtlety to the decidedly modern interiors of blond woods, tufted cushions, hemp linens and low-slung cubist sofas in soft greys and mocha, all of which throws clever contrast to the reflective glass walls, porphyry stone and wonderful brushed cement.

This palette echoes an ethos found at the heart of Das Wanda’s design mode – to use traditional building materials found near and at hand. Local timber adds warmth to the rooms and its natural colouring adds a harmonious combination. 

By using the skill of nearby artisans, the quality of handicrafts is high – the love put into crafted objects speaks volumes in the clean lines and modernity of the interiors. 

This all-natural retreat also has two pools to soothe you whatever the weather. Azure blues hit the outside pool, wrapped in verdant greenery whilst the indoor spa pool with a picture view onto the vineyards is reminiscent of a grotto with the colour of the water against the dark stone; the drama of light rippling in gentle waves – this submersive experience has quite the effect.

Lighting is key at Das Wanda and as the sun sets low over South Tyrol, bespoke lamps add a seductive contemporary note to the evening setting. The luxuriously kitted out suites of Das Wanda are roomy and command views across the wild woodlands, vineyards, apple plantations, twisted olive trees, breezy palms and of course the soaring majesty of the snow-capped Dolomite Mountains. A vista unchanged for decades, Das Wanda gently fits right into the lush green panorama. 

A suite-only hotel, each uniquely designed bedroom at Das Wanda comes with smooth blonde wood floors, natural stone tiles, Simmons mattresses and Loewe entertainment systems. Each also has a contemporary oversized sofa corner that was simply made for just reading, snoozing or indulging in the kind of simple chillax time that can be found only in Caldaro.

Due to the build of the South Tyrolean house, each suite is slightly different. Take a browse and see which takes your fancy. A corner bath here, vineyard views yonder there and luscious bathrooms with luxe walk-in showers and sweet-smelling organic bathrooms amenities from Vitalis are dotted over the three floors – top floor suites take charge of the best views…

Breakfast is special in these parts - a true celebration of mountain pastures, expect the normal candidates of milky cheeses, cured meats, the yellowest of egg yolks, creamy yoghurts and fresh fruits, all eaten while over-looking the ripening Italian olive groves below.

During the daytime, hotel guests can opt for light poolside and lounge snacks before hitting the cute little bar for an Aperitif and chat with fellow residents. With some of the best restaurants in South Tyrol on their doorsteps, including their own favourite haunts, the self-confessed foodie owners decided to join forces with local places, so you have several tantalising dining options right outside your door.

Das Wanda boasts two pools – the first, an indoor cavernous hideaway that just frames the verdant infinity of the vines, complete with a steam sauna suffused with aromas provided by iconic Kneipp, a company founded on Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp’s principle that: “Nature offers us in abundance everything we need to stay healthy”. 

The second pool is outdoors, in the Mediterranean gardens, a magnificently framed azure blue pool, bringing an undeniable accent of the good-life aesthetic to play.

Just 12km south of sunny South Tyrol’s capital city, Bolzano, lies the beautiful lakeside, the vine-covered village of Kaltern am See, or Caldaro al Lago; also known as one of the most beautiful wine villages in the world. Quietly nestled here amongst the snow-capped Dolomites, sunlit palms, ferns and breath-taking olive groves lies boutique design hotel Das Wanda. 

Perfectly located for an Italian break of pure, natural escapism, mixed with easy dips into local and vibrant medieval history and culture at Bolzano.

Being part of a hotel family, warm and generous hospitality is as natural here as the day is long. Being local means that they are also so passionate about their boutique residence in Kaltern/Caldaro that it will be hard to leave – we assure you, you certainly will return.

Owner Verena Huf has personally designed Das Wanda while drawing on their motto to embrace “Things you see when looking out of the window”, drawing from outside their vision for a modern hotel with local heart; Das Wanda is undeniably, and strikingly, alluring.